Of course, with Mary Anne, you should probably have a key programmed to say that on your board. ;)

I am fortunate enough to have worked my way into a job that lets me stay home with the kids. I think its important that one parent be there whenever possible, at least for very young children. Tiny kids shouldn't have to be "resilient" unless they have to be. It's depressing to see a nearby day care where you can look through the window (it's like a storefront) and babies are lined up in high chairs for mass feedings. For way too many parents, daycare is a career choice, not something they've been forced into by loss of spouse, poverty, or emergency.

I will concede that this was easier back when there were more extended families in the same locations.